Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate - Blog

Is it just me, or does 95° hit different when you’re chasing your kids with a squirt gun instead of sitting under fluorescent lights answering emails? Let’s give ourselves permission to actually enjoy summer again. Not just survive it. Growing up in the Detroit area, summer was everything. It’s where so many of my core memories live. I remember riding bikes with friends and neighbors ‘til the street lights flickered on as a reminder it was time to head home. We chased down the ice cream truck with crumpled dollar bills, spent hours at the water park until our fingers pruned, and made weekend trips to Blockbuster feel like a major event. It all smelled like bug spray and BBQ on the grill, and you felt the kind of joy you didn’t know you’d miss until years later. Now that I'm a parent, I want my kids to have that same magic — It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day tasks and must-do’s that we can forget to enjoy ourselves and our lives right in the here and now. Let’s tak...

As an internet wellness advocate, I spend a lot of time talking about digital safety, screen time, and keeping our kids protected online. But let me be clear—I fully support AI being introduced in the classroom. Why? Because whether we like it or not, AI isn’t something that’s coming—it’s already here. It’s reshaping industries, changing how we work, and creating entirely new career paths we couldn’t have imagined not 10 but even 2 years ago. But, every time I turn on the news, there’s another fear-based headline about AI taking over. And, let’s be real—whether we like it or not, the future is already here. The question isn’t how do we stop it—it’s how can we pivot and prepare. We can handle this. This is the world our kids were dealt, and it’s on us to make sure they’re ready to thrive in it - no fear. And AI isn’t some far-off thing. It’s already woven into our everyday lives—from the way we write emails and search on Google, to how we use predictive text or collaborate in Google Doc...

Free the News!! In an era where information is power, access to news should be a basic right, not a privilege. As an internet wellness advocate, a mom, and someone who works in communications and PR, I find it absolutely ridiculous that many news sites are hidden behind paywalls. Sites that used to be free now charge for specific articles or access to the whole site. A healthy democracy and an informed society thrives when citizens are informed about current events and issues. However, paywalls create a form of financial gatekeeping, making news a privilege for those who can afford it. Should only those who can afford it be the most informed? This archaic system mirrors historical injustices when based on your race, gender or status in society you were denied the right to read, education and access to information. This legacy of exclusion exacerbates inequality and limits participation in our democracy and important conversations. Now, I'm not talking about cultural and lifestyle p...

Summer vacation is well underway as we make it to June. How are your kids or teens doing with their screen-time? As a mom and an internet wellness advocate, I know firsthand how with more free time, our children inevitably may spend more hours on their devices, exploring the vast digital world. So, how do we ensure they're safe while they're having fun? Here are some tips from my experience and what I've learned along the way. Open Communication First and foremost, keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your kids about what they're doing online. Make it a casual part of your daily conversations, not an interrogation. Ask about the games they play, the friends they chat with, and the videos they watch. This not only keeps you informed but also lets them know you're interested and available to help. Set Boundaries Setting clear boundaries is crucial. Just like you have rules for bedtime and chores, establish rules for screen time. Define how much time they can ...

Today, let's chat about a topic that's recently made its way into my inbox: How can we make sure teens and tweens are navigate the online world safely without invading their privacy? As an advocate for internet wellness and a parent myself, I understand the importance of striking that delicate balance between protection and privacy. So, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive into some practical tips and tools to help you support your child online and off.  First things first, let's keep those lines of communication wide open. Create a safe space where your teens/tweens feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, questions, and concerns. Regular check-ins over dinner or during a cozy movie night can go a long way in building trust and understanding. Keep your relationship with your child in mind and try to remember when you were a child and how you liked or would have liked to be treated and always keep your child's mental health at the top of mind.  Instead of ...

June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, their achievements, and their ongoing fight for equality. As we honor this important month, it is crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, especially in the digital age. With the internet serving as both a haven and a potential source of harm, supporting LGBTQ+ youth online is more important than ever. Here are some essential online safety resources and tips for families, educators and caregivers to ensure a safe and supportive digital environment for LGBTQ+ youth. Understanding the Digital Landscape The internet can be a double-edged sword for LGBTQ+ youth. On one hand, it provides access to supportive communities, educational resources, and a sense of belonging. On the other hand, it can expose them to cyberbullying, harassment, predators and harmful content. As parents, educators, chosen family and caregivers, it’s essential to navigate this landscape thoughtfully and proactively. Cre...

If you’ve been following my blog you may know that I live in Michigan with two amazing kids—a 10-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy. Like many parents, I'm constantly juggling the demands of family life while trying to keep up with the fast-paced world of technology. With our kids spending so much time online, it's more important than ever to understand the challenges they face, especially when it comes to cyberbullying. It’s heartbreaking to think about any child feeling isolated or scared because of cyberbullying. I remember when my daughter came home upset because of a mean comment someone made about her online. It was a wake-up call for our family about the reality of cyberbullying. We had a long talk, and I made sure she knew we were in this together. Since 2016, I have offered presentations, webinars and workshops on internet wellness, safety and security for schools, organizations, workplaces, and families. As someone who was a teacher from 2007 - 2015, I witnessed firs...

In a world where the digital landscape is ever-expanding, social media often gets a bad rap. I read countless stories every week on its negative impacts—addiction, misinformation, and social isolation. But like any tool, the true value depends on how we use it. When used with integrity and balance, social media can be a powerful force for good, helping us all grow, learn, and connect in meaningful ways. One of the most significant benefits of social media is the wealth of information at our fingertips. Platforms like X, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok are vehicles for sharing knowledge across every conceivable field. You can follow industry leaders, educators, influencers and innovators who provide insights that help you stay informed and inspired. Consider how many of us have used online tutorials to learn new skills—whether it’s cooking a gourmet meal, mastering a musical instrument, or understanding complex scientific concepts. These platforms democratize knowledge, making education ac...

As we navigate through Mental Health Month, it's crucial to reflect on how we can better support our mental health, especially in a world increasingly dominated by technology. As an internet wellness advocate and a mother, I've seen firsthand the impact that tech use can have on children and adults when there are no boundaries. Here are some practical strategies to help you and your family work towards a more balanced relationship with technology to improve overall mental wellness.  1. Create Tech-Free Zones and Times: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to promote mental health is by establishing tech-free zones and times in your home. Designate specific areas, like the dining room, as tech-free zones where family members can engage in face-to-face conversations without distractions. Similarly, set aside tech-free times, such as during meals or the first hour after school, to encourage family bonding and relaxation. 2. Model Healthy Tech Habits Children learn by observ...